'Divorce ceremonies' on the rise in Japan

Hiroki Terai, 31, has divorced a total of 79 couples so far, telling them to smash their wedding rings with a hammer and encouraging family and friends to attend, ABS-CBN reports.

"I don't think the concept of divorce is a negative thing," he said. "Instead of spending a lifetime bickering, it is much better to wrap up the relationship and restart separately.

"Even since childhood, I was always curious why people don't hold divorce ceremonies, even though they have wedding ceremonies."

Terai started the divorcing service in April 2009, and by the summer of 2010, he had conducted more than 20 ceremonies.

He held his 79th divorce ceremony last week for a couple who had been married for seven years. The divorce planner is now looking to expand his business to South Korea, the country with the highest divorce rate in Asia.

Terai continued: "Usually after smashing a ring, [the divorced couple] seem to feel relieved, and you see their faces brighten up. Guests then truly celebrate their happy separation.

"Amicable divorce is something I admire. If I divorce, I want to have a divorce ceremony."